I usually only write one blog post a week, but I couldn't let a week pass by without acknowledging Don Cornelius' suicide. For anyone who doesn't know, Cornelius hosted "Soul Train," the longest-running syndicated show in history.
I watched "Soul Train" in the 80s, as a kid. To me, a white girl growing up going to an elementary school with a cafeteria mural of a salad bowl filled with lettuce, tomatoes, and the smiling faces of little children of various races to symbolize the "mixing bowl" of multiculturalism, "Soul Train" was my introduction to black culture. "Soul Train" was music, and dance, and, undoubtedly, soul.
As the news of Cornelius' death has spread through traditional and social media, I've received notes from friends asking for my thoughts. When a celebrity dies by suicide, we all try to make sense and meaning out of a collective sense of loss. What might Cornelius' suicide teach us?
- Media reports say that Cornelius had recently gone through a divorce and experienced failing health. Loss - of a relationship or of a lifestyle - can be a risk factor for suicide. If someone you know is struggling to cope with a loss, let them know that you care about them and are there for them.
- Many media reports have noted the means by which Cornelius took his life. I've been asked whether that helps or hurts. It can hurt - if presented in a glamourous way, it can draw attention to a way to take one's life, which can increase risk for people who are already at increasd risk for suicide. The challenge for media is to separate Cornelius' accomplishments in his life from his death - to present and see him as someone who received attention during his life for his creativity and vision, rather than someone who received attention because of his death.
- Celebrity death by suicide has an incredible impact on public discourse. Once again, everyone's talking about suicide, which is an opportunity to bring an often-hidden topic out of the shadows.
In the coming days, when more information about Cornelius' death is released, let's talk responsibly about suicide. Let's honor a person who made such an impact on American culture by talking about and supporting prevention.
Cornelius signed off each episode of "Soul Train," his brainchild, with the words "Wishing you love, peace, and soul." What an apt wish for those struggling with depression, suicidal thoughts, or other emotional distress.
Copyright 2012 Elana Premack Sandler, All Rights Reserved
